Introduction to Equatio
Equatio makes digital math and science notation easier and more accessible for faculty and students. Equatio uses prediction to insert fractions, exponents, operators, formulas, and chemical symbols. Equatio can recognize handwriting, spoken language, a screenshot, math notation such as LaTex, or typed text. It also has a built in Desmos graphing calculator. Watch the Introduction to Equatio video and continue with the step by step guidance to get started.
Adding Equatio to Google Chrome
Equatio is a Google Chrome extension. In order to use Equatio with Blackboard, you need to use the Google Chrome browser and add the Equatio extension to your browser. To add the extension, watch the short video or follow the steps below:
Make sure you are using the Google Chrome browser. You can download and install Google Chrome if needed.
Go to the Chrome web store.
Enter "Equatio" in the search field.
Select Add to Chrome.
In the pop-up that appears, select Add extension.
Equatio has now been added to your list of extensions, for easy access, you can pin it to your extension menu.
Using Equatio in Blackboard
Equatio can be used by students and faculty in any place that has the text editor.
For faculty, the most common places to use Equatio are:
Items
Assignment descriptions
Discussion Forum descriptions
Test questions
For students, the most common places to use Equatio are:
Assignment text submissions
Discussion forum posts
Responses to Essay test questions
Equatio tool tutorial
See the Equatio LMS quick reference guide for tools available in Blackboard or try the interactive Equatio tool tutorial. Each arrow explains one of the Equatio tools.
Making Equatio Accessible
Equatio has many built in accessibility features. Equations are embedded with associated alternative text that will read out the equation sequence in a logical and easy to understand way. However, the alternative text for graphs generated with the Desmos graphing calculator is "Equatio Graph". This does not give the student any information about the content of the graph. Faculty can adjust the alternative text to be relevant, informative, and context specific. Remember, if the graph is part of a test question, don't give away the answer in the alternative text. To adjust the alternative text:
Select to edit the text in Blackboard where the graph has been added.
Right-click on the graph, and select Image from the menu.
Adjust the Alternative Description field to add informative and context relevant information about the graph.
Add and Image Title.
Select Save.
Submit to save the edits you made in the text editor.
Equatio for Chemistry
The Equatio equation editor, handwriting recognition, and screenshot reader tools can help to write chemical compounds and equations digitally. Start by typing in the elements needed to make the desired compounds. For example: Table Salt is NaCl. Type 'sodi' and scroll down to find 'Sodium Chloride.'
Changing Language in Equatio
Equatio menus, prediction tools, and audio input can work in English, Spanish, French, Italian, and Danish. Any student or faculty working with Equatio can choose the settings that work best for them. To change the language:
Select the Equatio menu.
Select Options.
Select Math Options.
In the language dropdown menu, choose your preferred language.
Select Save.
Do more with Equatio
See how Equatio can help you incorporate Universal Design for Learning into your teaching. Read more about Multiple Means of Equatio.